Author and Speaker

The Choice is Still Ours

A very familiar verse and perhaps a popular verse of late is one that brings us much encouragement.

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts

of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jer. 29:11

Looking back into the book of Deuteronomy, chapter 30 God spelled out blessings and curses to his people. If his people obeyed and honored the Lord they would be blessed; but if not there were consequences for disobedience. We are familiar with their disobedience and resulting captivity. This is where we find them when we come to Jeremiah.

Reread the above verse.

But let’s not stop there because I think the next 2 verses are vital to the fulfilling of verse 11. “Then you will call upon me and go and pray to me and I will listen to you and you will seek Me and find Me when you search for me with all your heart. I will be found of you and I will bring you back from your captivity.

We know God keeps His promises and He is gracious in doing so. But He tells his people there is still something they need to be doing and that is trusting Him, praying, and seeking Hi withal their heart. From history we know God began to bring His people back into the land promised to them and it will continue into the end days.

Now, let’s think about this for ourselves.

What kind of captivity do you find yourselves in right now: Are there things that seem like there is o way out or just never ending?

Has sin got a death grip on you?

Are daily routines and pressures squeezing you into its old with no sign of relief or end?

Are worry and anxiety ruling your life?

Is caring for a loved one taxing and draining you physically and emotionally?

There are many things that can take us captive. So let’s remember some things: God is always there He is full of grace and mercy and ready to fling those chains from off us. He is our hope and our future. But the choice is still ours. If we truly want to be set free we need to seek Him and we will find Him if we search for Him with all our heart. He is only a prayer away—He will hear and answer you.

“Therefore if the Son makes you free you shall be free indeed.” John 8:36